29/07/2026
Have you watched the recent film titled on Netflix?
It's the much-talked-about collaboration between ABS-CBN Film Productions Inc. (Star Cinema), GMA Pictures, and Regal Entertainment Inc.
Like many Mindanaoans, I was excited to watch it, especially after hearing that parts of it featured "South Cotabato."
But as I watched, I couldn't help feeling a little disappointed.
There was this scene where the characters kept shouting...
"Cotabato!"
And I found myself quietly saying, "South Cotabato, NOT Cotabato." 😅
Now, don't get me wrong.
This isn't about criticizing the actors or the filmmakers. I know it could have been an honest oversight.
But as someone who takes pride in where I come from, I believe South Cotabato deserves to be called by its proper name.
Because South Cotabato, North Cotabato and Cotabato City are completely different places.
Cotabato City is part of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), while North Cotabato (officially the Province of Cotabato) is a landlocked province in central Mindanao and part of SOCCSKSARGEN (Region XII), with Kidapawan City as its capital. South Cotabato is also a province in SOCCSKSARGEN (Region XII), with Koronadal City as its capital. Although they share the name "Cotabato," they are distinct places with different histories, cultures, identities, and administrative jurisdictions.
So since the movie has sparked curiosity about our province, allow me to properly introduce the real South Cotabato.
Established on July 18, 1966, South Cotabato is proudly known as the "Land of the Dreamweavers." This title honors the T'boli people, whose world-famous T'nalak cloth is traditionally woven from patterns believed to be revealed through dreams.
Our province is home to:
📍 Koronadal City – the provincial capital
📍 Lake Sebu
📍 T'boli
📍 Polomolok
📍 Tupi
📍 Surallah
📍 Norala
📍 Sto. Niño
📍 Tantangan
📍 Tampakan
📍 Banga
Every municipality has its own story.
Every destination has its own charm.
If you love nature, South Cotabato will leave you speechless.
Watch the majestic Seven Falls in Lake Sebu. Fly across one of Southeast Asia's highest ziplines. Hike to the breathtaking Lake Holon, one of the country's most beautiful crater lakes.
Drive through Polomolok, where endless pineapple plantations stretch as far as the eye can see.
Explore Tupi, famous for its flowers, fresh vegetables, and cool mountain breeze.
Experience the vibrant T'nalak Festival, where culture, music, colorful street dancing, and indigenous traditions come together every July.
And if food is your love language...
You'll enjoy our sweet pineapples, juicy mangoes, fresh mountain coffee, cacao, tilapia from Lake Sebu, bananas, corn, rice, and an abundance of fresh produce that reflects the richness of our land.
South Cotabato isn't just another destination in Mindanao.
It is a province rich in culture, blessed with natural wonders, and home to warm, hardworking people.
So yes, I was disappointed to hear "Cotabato" instead of "South Cotabato."
Not because it's a huge mistake.
But because every place deserves to be recognized for its own identity.
My hope is that this post helps more Filipinos discover the real South Cotabato—not just as a filming location, but as a destination worth experiencing.
So the next time someone mentions "Cotabato," ask them,
"Do you mean Cotabato City... or North Cotabato.... or South Cotabato?"
Because they're three different places.
And if you haven't been to South Cotabato yet...
Maybe it's time to discover why we're proudly called the
📍 Discover South Cotabato.
❤️ Experience its culture.
🧳 Travel with Big C Travel and Tours
